The nose features minerality and golden delicious apples. In the mouth there is the vivacious flavor of Granny Smith apples and lots of acidity. At the same time the texture is thick, dense like a deep down comforter.

The Two Rock Vineyard is located on the Cotati Grade which is regularly bathed in Pacific fog. Just 6% of the wine was fermented in new French oak barrels and put through malolactic. The rest was all stainless without ML.

This is a stunning Chardonnay for the price, delivering the structure of Burgundy with a luxurious texture and great length.

Today many decry California Chardonnay for its excessive ripeness and flabby expression in the mouth. This wine shows what is possible in the North Coast with the star of Burgundian white wine.

Winemaker Gina Gallo. Produced and bottled in Healdsburg 13.2% $28 suggested US retail, a media sample tasted at the MacMurray Ranch. Gallo Family Vineyards

About Ray

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.